Adolescent Health Promotion

 In today's society, we can probably blame the media for several of the issues that we see. In my personal opinion, I believe that merely sitting around and pointing fingers at who did what wrong is pointless and a waste of time, however. But the media does portray certain attitudes and behaviors that are adopted by children and adolescents. Today, the media is almost literally everywhere. There are several social networks that promote advertising in the corner of their websites. Television is sadly what I like to call 'an American past-time'. Not all television is bad, but the commercialism of it is what makes it so bad sometimes. Behaviors are inherently learned, and when the media is constantly portraying certain behaviors, it is human nature to copy them. 

An example of this is as follows: the media show's an actress who is deathly thin. The typical response is that many adolescent girls (and some boys) may learn this behavior. Again, it is our nature to copy what we deem successful. The famous are the rich and elite. We, as groundlings (witty Shakespeare reference), will look up to them and forever wonder how they got in their position. 9 times out of 10, they did not get there by their morbidly thin appearance. So since we see this behavior, we want to follow along in their path so that way we could experience recognition, fame, and extensive wealth.

It is the principle of the matter. The media is perhaps one of the largest outlets of how we behave. It is just good business for all, or so it would seem. If the media could reduce the outflow of such information and promote health and wellness as an actual lifestyle choice, then perhaps adolescents would be in a brighter future. For example, there could be more commercials where Mila Kunis is eating an apple or going for a brisk jog. The central idea is that once you choose a higher role model demonstrating something so healthy, it creates a ripple effect in the masses. 

On another note, the schools that are taking out the vending machines are doing the right thing. At the time I was in high school, I thought that it was preposterous that the school administrators were taking out the vending machines yet they were still serving greasy pizza everyday in one particular line. As an a generally active person, I choose to eat a healthy diet. I do enjoy chocolate and cinnamon flavored things quite often, but for the most part I choose natural and organic foods. It looks like Denton's The Cupboard store should open up a franchise in every industrialized city. 

Health and wellness is always in the news because people are always trying to better themselves. Most of us really want to lead active lifestyles. But at the end of the day, it is ultimately up to the individual to be the change they wish to be.

A Personal Biography...

My name is Corey Shane Steward. I was born in Dallas, Texas but I was raised in southeastern New Mexico for some years after I was born. It was what I knew for several years as a child until my "family" moved back to Texas when I was around 13 years old. Being around the mountains was really something I enjoyed. I started hiking when I was about 9. I would hike up in the Sierra Blanca mountains just around Ruidoso and it was an activity that I miss greatly. I love Texas, as I am a native Texan. Most people from this state are generally very proud so non-natives must get used to it. I particularly enjoy the south central region from around Austin to San Antonio (the Hill Country). I enjoy the southern coast and deep east Texas as well.

I am a pre-OT/health studies major. I have several personal interests in health but the primary one at the moment is the heart. I have been fascinated with the heart for several years now. I believe that it is an amazing organ that is often overlooked for what it does. Considering the actual amount of stress we put our hearts under really makes it quite beautiful. I spent most of last semester preparing a community based needs assessment in Dallas County for cardiovascular disease. It was something that was easy to get into. I expect to learn more health information that I can use to put towards my career. 

I have several hobbies, most of them revolve around music. I am a classically trained pianist and I have been since I was 8 years old. I play piano like a madman! It is one thing that I particularly enjoy. When I moved to Texas, I decided to teach myself how to play the guitar from what musical theory and keyboard theory I knew. Lo and behold within a few years, I was playing guitar. Then I went on to learn mandolin. Another instrument I have been considering to learn is called a Talonpoikaiskantele, which is a Finnish lap harp. They have a very serene and beautiful sound to them that resonates with such sustain. Uilleann pipes are also something I have considered. I am a choir nerd and performed at TMEA in San Antonio the past two year with an orchestra...that last one was the best show ever! I was in musical theater and glee club all through high school. I collect vinyl records and have nearly 600 of them. I have a very nice Alice Cooper collection that some may laud. For the past few years, I have been playing piano professionally for commissions. I was commissioned to play at a theater opening for a play about a pianist. I have played for a few church services, a couple of weddings, and so many art exhibits. I was also a sit-in organist for a church. I also write a lot of poetry. I am in love with Rachel Elaine Jackson! She is my hero.

One thing people about me that is odd...people either fully accept it and think it's cool, or they completely reject it out of fear....I play the role of Dr. Frank-n-Furter on a stage production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show on a professional cast in a Dallas community theater. Shows are always held at the Lakewood Theater in Dallas. You may look us up for more information and you should totally come to a show and see me act like a transvestite! Here is a link: www.amberdoesdallas.com.
Considering this role, it has sparked another hobby recently...costuming. I have been learning how to use a sewing machine because I only know how to hand sew. But if you ever come to Rocky show and see me, everything I am wearing was made by me. Making corsets is not easy and sometimes is not fun! But now, I have spending much of my time browsing fabrics and thinking of other things to make.